Camera and the like



June 5, 1945. `c. E. HANNUM 2,377,341

CAMERA AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 22, 1941 HHMHHIwww] Patented June s, 194s UNITED STATES t PATENT OFFICE 2,377,341 CAMERA AND 'rnc Lixs l I Clement E. Hannum, Chicago, 1li. Application october zz. 1941, semi No. 416,037 (ci. 95-31) 7 Claims.

This invention has to do with improvements in cameras. More particularly, my invention ref lates to an improved arrangement whereby the amount of film exposed in making a picture, may be varied for each exposure on a roll, thus varyingthe size oi'.` the picture. In other words, it is an object of this invention to provide an arrangement whereby the operator may select a small or large exposure on the nlm by a simple operation which is easily perfumed by even unskilled photographers.

It is a further object to provide an arrangement whereby the operator may block out a portion of a film in a camera normally adapted to large exposures, and thus secure a small exposure area of the film, resulting at the taking of the picture, in a small snapshot or photograph. This results in adapting a large camera to small pictures, at' the same time leaving it'easily useful for large pictures. g

In connnection with the above, it is an object to provide an arrangement in which none of the film is wasted over and above what would normally |be wasted in taking ordinary pictures with a. common camera of standard size. This accomplishes the object of .providing fora series of pictures of possible different size, without waste of film due to change of size. Frequently, in the past, the operator of a camera would not wish to ywaste expensive lm on a picture which he would have taken if he had not had to use a large exposure, and he would take the picture if he could do so 'with the use of a small camera. The arrangement I have provided has the advantages of both aA large and a, small camera, all in one.

In connection with the above, it is one object to provide a means of pre-determining the size of the length of film to be moved into exposure .position for a particular picture exposure, and for metering or measuring the proper amount for the particular size as the nlm is moved into the exposure position. In one arrangement, this metering shows the person winding the lm when the proper position has been reached and he is thus able to stop at the correct time. In an alternative construction I have provided an improved arrangement wherein the iilm winding mechanism is locked automatically when the correct amount of film has been moved into place (the amount having been predetermined and the device set for that movement).

Further, I disclose an arrangement in `which the exposure opening between the shutter panels, is, for each size of picture taken, correctly centered. This is desirable, if not essential, to the correct operation oi the illm winding and metering mechanism above mentioned.

I have thus provided a device in which the operator, by a simple setting of an indicator, and movement of the film to the position shown by the indicator, and by simply moving a small lever, secures a film exposure area. of desired selection from a plurality of sizes, and thus may .take the size of picture that suits his tastes.

It is an object to provide a device which requires the operator to re-set the device before he takes a subsequent picture each time he makes' an exposure, and this has an influence on the operator in preventing double exposures.

It is a further object to provide a device which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which can be operated by the average person with a few simple instructions, and which will make the camera constructed with theimprovementstherein, more flexible in yuse and economical to operate.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will appear as .the nature of the improvements is better understood, the invention consisting substantially in the novel construction, combination and .arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing,

and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

-In the drawing: Figure 1 is a top plan view, showing a box type camera of the popular style, to which my invention has been added, the view illustrating particularly the metering device or indicator and the size control lever of one embodiment of my in-.I

vention;

Figure 2 is a bottom view as compared to Figure 1, the view being in cross section and illustrating the internal mechanism of one embodiment of my invention;

Figure 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-'sec` tional view, substantially on the line 3 3 of Figure l, looking in the direction of the arrows, the view illustrating particularly the operating mechanism for the indicator Figure 4 is a top plan view, showing a modified arrangement oi.metering device or indicator The arrangement a/bove mentioned accom- (hereinafter termed the indicator), the fllmwinding mechanism having a positive stop arrangement, herein sometimes referred'to as automatic iilm stop and re-set mechanism; and

Figure 5 is a fragmentary, side elevational view showing in cross section the device of Figure 4.

Referring more in detail to the arrangement shown in the various drawings, and first to the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2, I have illustrated my invention as being incorporated in an ordinary box camera Il, various styles and sizes of such cameras now being on the market.

This camera has the ordinary lens portion II, distance adjustment I2, shutter release Il, and fllmwinding knob I4. These parts II, I2, Il, and I4, are all common to box type cameras in general.

I have providedthe indicator arrangement I5, (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5), which comprises the pointer I5, and an indicating dial having the markers I1, I8, I9, and 20. As I have shown them for purposes of this application, the marker I1 is small; the marker I8 is change; the marker I8 is large; and the marker 2li is stop. Other appropriate indicia or wording may be substituted without detracting from the invention.

The pointer I6 is preferably secured by a friction fit to the axle portion of the gear wheel 2I, which is here shown as meshing with the pinion 22 (see Fig. 3) The pinion (or small gear wheel) 22 generally is integral with, or irmly attached to, the film actuated roher 23, which, in turn, is shown as having the film engaging toothed wheel or cog 24. The cog 24 engages the film (generally at the edges) by its teeth and thereby forms a positive driving means for the pinion 22, gear wheel 2l, and (through friction of the pointer with the axle of gear Wheel 2 I) the pointer IE.

When the film is inserted in the camera (the iilm is shown in operative arrangement in Fig. 2, being indicated as'illm 25 on winding roller 26 and stretched across the back of the camera to nlm roller 21), the roller 23, through the roller cog 24, engages the film and turns as the 111m is wound oil nlm roller 21 on to the winding roller 2B. This turns the gear wheel 2I and therethrough, the pinion 22, and the pointer I6. The lm is ordinarily initially wound up to a position shown by the camera film window to be at or adjacent the numeral 1 on the film strip. If the iirst exposure is to be small, the operator can safely stop winding prior to reaching the numeral 1 on the lm strip by an amount equal to the width of the panel 28 (hereinafter described), which can usually be estimated from markings on the back oi' the film by an experienced operator. The panels (hereinafter described in detail) are then set for the size of exposure selected and the picture shot" without being concerned with the markers and pointer; for the second shot or exposure, however, the indicator arrangement provided is necessary.

If the first4 picture has been small, and it is desired to make the next subsequent picture small, then the pointer is moved by the operator (independently of the winding arrangement and by turning the pointer on its axle, a friction fit being provided for that purpose) to the position marked Small, being marker I1. The nlm winding knob I4 is then turned to advance the film,

lwhlch turns the film actuated roller 28, and

through said roller 28, pinion'22l and gear wheel 2 I likewise turns the pointer. The winding knob is turned until the pointer reaches the "Stop," after which the film is in position for a second small exposure. This procedure is continued (repeated) so long as small exposures are to be taken, that is, so long as the smallbis the desired sire rather than the large.

If the initial picture is a large exposure, the nlmwouldbeinitially setinthesamewayasin any ordinary camera. that is', it would be wound to the numeral 1 indicating the ilrst exposure on thefllm, and the nrst picture could thenbe taken. If the operator desired the next picture to be the same size, that is, large, he would set the pointer I8 on the marker I9, (large), and would wind the film winding knob I4 until the pointer indicated marker 2II (stop). The device would then be set for another large exposure, so far as the film is concerned.

If, however, the initial picture is small, andit is desired to change to the large size for the next subsequent size, the pointer Would be manually moved as above described, but would be set on the marker I8 (change), and the film winding knob turned an amount to bring the pointer I8 to the marker 20 (stop). The same is true when a change from large size to small is necessary. The pointer is initially set at marker I8 (change) before winding the nlm for the exposure.

It is therefore clear that where there is no change in size desired for the next subsequent exposure, the pointer is set on the marker indicating the size of exposure desired before winding the film, and the lm is wound until the pointer I6 reaches the marker 20 (stop) after which the film may be exposed. However, wherever a change in size is desired, from small to large or from large to small, the pointer I6 is always set on the marker I8 (change) before winding the lm, the pointer returning to the.

marker 20 (stop) in the winding operation.

Referring next to the modification shown in Figures 4 and 5, I include an arrangement which will stop the film winding mechanism automatically when the pointer reaches the marker 28 (stop) after setting and winding as above described, and which requires that the operator reset the pointer I6 before proceeding to wind the film for the next exposure. This lessens the chance of double exposure because of the operator forgetting to rewind, and assures accuracy in the nlm winding operation. I provide a cam 40, riveted, or otherwise operatively attached to move with the pointer IS. Thus when the pointer I6 moves, the cam 40 moves the same way, whether the movement was caused by manipulating the pointer by the operator or by movement of the gear wheel 2I when the nlm is rolled. This cam has a recessed portion into which drops the slide -bar 4I when the pointer is at the marker 28 (stop). However, manually turning the pointer pushes the slide-bar 4I out of the recess of the cam 40, with the results hereinafter described.

The slide-bar 4I is held in slidable position on the camera by any convenient means, such as the pins 42. The slide-bar 4I preferably contacts, when the position of the cam is such that one end of the slide-bar is in the cam recess, an edge or other portion of the winding knob I4. For this purpose the slide-bar may be provided with the boss 48 at its end most distant from the cam 40, and the winding knob I4 is preferably provided with knurled or serrated edge portions into which the boss 4l "seats" Spring means, such as the coil spring 44, is provided to exert tension on the slide-bar 4I, moving it against the cam under pressure. Thus, when the pointer I8 is manually turned thus forcing the slide bar 4I out of the cam recess, the slide bar moves Vto the position shown in dotted lin'es in Fig. 5, and releases the 111m winding knob, until, by rotation of the nlm winding knob and consequent movement of the film and cern (or if desired by manual movement of the 'cam-which is' not usen) the suse-bnu min irons into thecamrecessandiocksthefilmwindingmechi therefore' each other and must be synchronized Referring next .to Figures l and 2 in particular, l

I have provided the adjustable panels 29 and 29. which are shown in a preferred embodiment.

They are journaled on `pin hinges or the like, at Il and Il respectivelyl where they meet the sidewalls l2 to an extent that they close of! light filtering to any objectionable amount betweenJ the panel and the adjacent sidewall. The panels 2l and 29 may be located elsewhere within the exposure chamber, but the arrangement I belleve cheapest and most advantageous for several reasons is to have them located substantially 21 (one spring to one arm and the other spring to the other arm, as shown in the drawing Figure 2). These arms 31 lie adjacent the top of the or coordinated. Itwill thus be seen that in this arrangement I the operator has a choicelof size of pictures he exposure chamber in one desirable arrangement,

and do not interfere materially with the light upon exposure. The panels'29 and 29, of course, extend substantially the full height of the interior of the exposure chamber, and fully block exposure of their respective contiguous portions of the film when they are in the open position,

that is, areswung out so that one edge is away.

from the side wall 92 for each panel. In this `last mentioned position they admit only enough exposure light to make a picture of the size herein designated as small.

The arms 31 are rotatively attached at the ends away from the springs Il. to a crank arm 39,

I which is preferably fastened in turn by an axle opening or closing said panels 2l and 29, as the case may be. The position of the various last abovementioned parts, shown in heavy lines in Figure 2, show thepanels inl open position for` the making of a small exposure, whereas the parts shown in dotted lines shows the various positions of the different elements when a large exposure is made, that is, when the panels 29 and 2l are closed" against the side walls 32.

In actual operation, the vfilm winding mechanism and pointer setting must be coordinated or synchronized" with the setting of thepanels.

will take for each exposure of the nlm, and that where small exposures are made, or are interspersed with large pictures, a considerable saving of film will result.

'The iorm of invention herein shown and described presents a preferred embodiment thereof, and delineates its adaption to practical use,

but it is to be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered from the illustrative standpoint, and-not as imposing unnecessary restrictions and limitations on the invention.

- While I have herein shown and described certain features of my invention, still I do not wish to limit myself thereto except as I may do so in the claims.

Iclaim: l 1. A camera of the box type having the usual casing, film and nlm rolling mechanism, lens means, shutter and shutter operating means, and

film exposure chamber with side walls; said camera having means varying the size of the strip of film exposed for a picture, said means comlprising a plurality of adjustable panels hinged in a position whereby the panels are adjacent the ends of the respective side walls nearest the film exposure opening of the film exposure chamber, spring means under tension retaining said panels in preselected position, lever means outside said casing, a crank arm connected to and operable by said lever means, means varying the position of the panels by varying the spring tension, comprising arms attached to said crank arm operated by said lever, said arms being connected to said spring means, indicating means in connection with said lever indicating the position of the panels at any given time, said camera having nlm regulating means synchronized with said panel means'whereby the movement of the film to the exposure position is indicated and synchronized with the panel means for each size of exposure,

the nlm regulating means comprising a roller engaging the nlm within the camera, a pointer on the outside of the camera, gear means-,between said roller and' said pointer, said pointer having a friction engagement on the shaft of one gear means, and markers indicating the positionsv to which the pointer is moved for the respective size of the illm exposure.

2. A camera of the box type having the usualcasing, nlm and nlm rolling mechanism, lens means, shutter andy shutter operating means, nlm

. exposure chamber; said camerahaving means '111e lever 99 may have proper position for each setting indicated on the camera, but generally that is unnecessary inasmuch as only two posi-A tions are generally used. If a large picture is desired and the nlm set therefor as above provided, the lever 39 (and therefore the other mechanism operated thereby as above described) must be set for the position where the panels 29 and 29 are "closed against sidewall 32. If the varying the size of the strip of film exposed for a picture, saidmeans comprising adjustable panel means, lever actuated spring means retaining said adjustable panel means in pre-selected position,

saidmeans being operable for varying the posi-v `indicating the predetermined position to which the pointer is moved by movement of the film for each exposure, the entire arrangement being such that the operator selects the size exposure he wishes to make, positions the panels, moves the` film to a 'position indicated by the pointer, and is ready to snap his picture.

.3. A camera of the box type having the usual casing, nlm and lm rolling mechanism, lens means, shutter and shutter operating means, and

film exposure chamber with side walls: said camera having means varying the size of the strip ot film exposed for a picture, said means comprising a plurality of adjustable panels hinged in a position whereby the panels are adjacent the ends of the respective side walls nearest the film exposure opening of the film exposure chamber, a lever, acrank arm operated thereby. spring means under tension retaining said panels in preselected position, means varying the position of the panels by varying the spring tension, comprising arms attached to said crank arm operated by said lever, said arms being connected to said spring means, indicating means in connection with said lever indicating the position of the panels at any given time, said camera having film regulating means synchronized with said panel means whereby the movement of the film to the exposure position is indicated and synchronied with the panel means for each size of exposure.

4. A film control and indicaitng means for a camera, comprising a film winding mechanism having a film winding knob, film movable by said film winding mechanism upon turning said film winding knob, means including a roller driven by movement of said film, an indicator pointer carried by said last mentioned means, a cam means attached to said indicator pointer, means holding the film winding knob against movement, said means comprising a slide bar with a boss thereon engaging said film winding knob, said slide-bar means likewise engaging said cam and pointer, whereby movement of said pointer to a predetermined position moves the cam and disengages the slidebar from said film winding knob, and whereby movement of said film winding knob, after disengagement of said slide-bar, moves said pointer and cam a predetermined amount and causes said slide bar to reengage and lock said film winding knob, the initial setting of said pointer being indicated by markers provided on said camera means.

5. An arrangement as set forth in claim l, wherein the pointer is provided with a cam arrangement which moves wlth movement of the pointer, and wherein the film winding mechanism includes a film winding knob with locking means adapted to be vreleased by movement of the cam a predetermined amount said locking means again locking the nlm winding knob upon movement of the film winding knob a predetermined further amount based upon the amount of the initial movement of the cam as com- 'pared to the length of the circumference of the cam.

6. A camera of the box type having the usual casing, film and film rolling mechanism, lens means, shutter and shutter operating means, and film exposure chamber; said camera having means varying the size of a strip of film exposed for a picture, and likewise having means pre-set each time an exposure is made and indicating the movement of the film necessary for the desired size of film exposure, said film regulating means comprising a roller engaging the film within the camera, a pointer on the outside of the camera, gear means between said roller and said pointer, said pointer having a friction engagement on the shaft of one gear means, and markersindicating the positions to which the pointer is moved for the respective size of the film posure, the arrangement being such that the pointer is provided with means comprising a cam moving with movement of the pointer and wherein the film winding mechanism includes locking means releasable by movement of the cam abovementioned, said locking means locking the film winding means upon movement of the latter a predetermined amount.

7. A camera having means varying the size of a film exposed for a picture, said means being operable by closing off a portion of the exposure chamber between the shutter of the camera and the film, indicating means indicating the position oi said above-mentioned means for varying the size of a film exposure and means variable in setting for each size exposure and regulable for predetermining the movement of the film to the exposure position for the preselected size of exposure desired, the arrangement being such that the means determining the movement of the film has a positionable indicator with locking means releasable by manual operation, said locking 

